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Acts 20:24

11 Words More Important to Me Than the Word Feminism

I’ve seen a lot of talk of feminism lately on social media. Now I wouldn’t be lying if I said I didn’t understand this whole feminism tug-of-war going on among women. What is feminism? Is there one set definition that we all agree on? My best friend and I were talking about this the other night. Do feminists want us women to register for the draft or do they just want all women to support each other? It is too confusing for even this accredited university educated young woman to understand (jokes).

For Christmas my other best friend, who happens to be my roommate, got me a Bible study book on the Proverbs 31 woman. It dawned on me that this was one of those teaching moments from the Lord. I am not a woman to be defined as am or am not. I am defined by my relationship with my heavenly Father.

He does not desire for me to identify with worldly things, but Him and bring glory to Him. All women–ALL WOMEN–should aim to become more like the woman laid out in Proverbs 31. Why wouldn’t anyone want to be like her? She is a woman who is valued, virtuous, diligent, decisive, dedicated, caring, prepared, savvy, joyful, active and loved by the Lord and those she is around.

The woman in Proverbs 31 is literally super woman, in my opinion. She has taught me that tending to a household is just as much of a job as any other man’s job. Today women are so focused on being a CEO or a career woman, but who says that holding down a household is not just as hard or prestigious? Call me old-fashioned, but my dreams for life have never included conquering corporate America. I simply want to do what the Lord created women for…something I believe is different from men. I don’t think men and women were created for the same purpose. If they were, why would we need both? (Check out this amazing blog post/sermon on Genesis 1-3 and the purpose of men and women… http://www.keepbelieving.com/sermon/men-and-women-in-biblical-perspective/)

Yes, I warned you. I am very traditional and I always have been, but I’m not sorry about it either. Not being a feminist does not mean I am submissive or weak. The woman in Proverbs was definitely not those things. But being a feminist doesn’t mean you can’t be a Christian, too. It is a very gray word, feminism, with many different tiers.

I know it is a sticky topic. What’s new in the world? But, I have seen this everywhere lately. No, I am not a feminist, but I know why I am not. I encourage you to know your stance and be educated about why you’ve made that decision. Below is the text that I have begun to use as a guide for being a woman. She sounds pretty incredible if you ask me.

PROVERBS 31:10-31

10 A wife of noble character who can find?She is worth far more than rubies.11 Her husband has full confidence in her (Valued)and lacks nothing of value.12 She brings him good, not harm,all the days of her life.13 She selects wool and flax (Virtuous)and works with eager hands.14 She is like the merchant ships,bringing her food from afar.15 She gets up while it is still night; (Diligent)she providesfood for her familyand portions for her female servants.16 She considers a field and buys it; (Decisive)out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.17 She sets about her work vigorously;(Dedicated)her arms are strong for her tasks.18 She sees that her trading is profitable,and her lamp does not go out at night.19 In her hand she holds the distaffand grasps the spindle with her fingers.20 She opens her arms to the poor (Caring)and extends her hands to the needy.21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;for all of them are clothed in scarlet. (Prepared)22 She makes coverings for her bed;she is clothed in fine linen and purple.23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.24 She makes linen garments and sells them, (Savvy)and supplies the merchants with sashes.25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, (Joyful)and faithful instruction is on her tongue.27She watches over the affairs of her householdand does not eat the bread of idleness. (Active)28 Her children arise and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her:29 “Many women do noble things,but you surpass them all.” (Loved)30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.